United Country Bloghttp://www.unitedcountryblog.com
National Marketing, Local ExpertiseWed, 20 Sep 2017 06:00:02 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.7.5http://www.unitedcountryblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/cropped-BrandMark_full-color-32x32.jpgUnited Country Bloghttp://www.unitedcountryblog.com
3232UnitedCountryBloghttps://feedburner.google.comUCRE Broker Sells Texas Ranch to NBA’s George Hillhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UnitedCountryBlog/~3/Ii-7VVj8PMY/
http://www.unitedcountryblog.com/ucre-broker-sells-texas-ranch-to-nbas-george-hill/#respondWed, 20 Sep 2017 06:00:02 +0000http://www.unitedcountryblog.com/?p=435Texas Hill Country is an outdoor paradise with incredible terrain and wildlife. United Country Real Estate | Ray Land Company is strategically positioned to assist with whatever your real estate needs may be.

Broker/Owner of UCRE | Ray Land Company Dustin Ray credits his experience, knowledge and working relationships for enabling him to help close the sale of a Texas Hill Country ranch to professional basketball player George Hill.

The sprawling outdoor retreat was particularly ideal for Hill who was in search of a hunting/recreation ranch with an African-safari feel. Ray sold this ranchland in the past and had the flexibility to price, clear and divide the land to meet what Hill was in search of. “Without the relationships and ability to work with other brokers this deal would have never happened.” Ray said.

United Country Real Estate is the only national real estate brand with a unique marketing, technology and training program designed for lifestyle properties across the nation. Offering national exposure and local expertise, United Country will help you sell more ranch properties like this one. Visit joinunitedcountry.com today to learn how you can grow your business.

]]>http://www.unitedcountryblog.com/ucre-broker-sells-texas-ranch-to-nbas-george-hill/feed/0http://www.unitedcountryblog.com/ucre-broker-sells-texas-ranch-to-nbas-george-hill/United Country Real Estate Continues to Lead in Innovative Marketinghttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UnitedCountryBlog/~3/bfN575jLzR0/
http://www.unitedcountryblog.com/united-country-real-estate-continues-to-lead-in-innovative-marketing/#respondWed, 13 Sep 2017 06:00:11 +0000http://www.unitedcountryblog.com/?p=426As the leader in all types of lifestyle properties since 1925, United Country Real Estate has always been at the forefront of innovative real estate marketing. From the industry’s first real estate catalog to one of the first real estate websites in history, we’re always looking for ways to give our clients maximum exposure for their properties. This innovation continues with the integration of video marketing as we launch our new niche property promotional video.

This video highlights just a portion of the 35+ unique property types only United Country offices are ideally positioned to market, from farms and ranches for sale, recreational property, mountain and ski properties, businesses, waterfront real estate, equine properties, hunting land and much, much more. With niche property experts positioned across the nation, specialized marketing tools and exclusive websites, United Country can provide a level of specialized marketing for any type of property no other real estate company can match.

Tools such as video marketing have been proven to reach large audiences in a short period of time, increase the amount of time visitors spend on websites and make those websites easier to find in Google searches. If you are selling a property, this allows your listing to be seen by more buyers, leading to a quicker sale at a better price. If you are looking to buy some real estate, this will also help you connect to the harder-to-find specialty properties.

If you’re interested in selling or buying property and want to make sure you are connected to the most innovative team of real estate professionals, work with the company that provides you with the most experience and expertise. By combining industry-leading video marketing with a network of websites visited by over three million people monthly, exclusive national catalogs, local and national print advertising and more, only United Country Real Estate gives you national exposure of local listings. Visit UnitedCountry.com today to discover all the advantages of partnering with the leader in lifestyle real estate.

]]>http://www.unitedcountryblog.com/united-country-real-estate-continues-to-lead-in-innovative-marketing/feed/0http://www.unitedcountryblog.com/united-country-real-estate-continues-to-lead-in-innovative-marketing/25-Year Auction Veteran to Lead United Country Real Estate | Auction Serviceshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UnitedCountryBlog/~3/IZ2mZzJ69fQ/
http://www.unitedcountryblog.com/25-year-auction-veteran-to-lead-united-country-real-estate-auction-services/#respondWed, 06 Sep 2017 09:00:22 +0000http://www.unitedcountryblog.com/?p=432United Country Real Estate is proud to announce today that Shawn Terrel, a 25-year veteran of the auction industry has been promoted to lead the United Country Real Estate | Auction Services Division as President. Terrel was formerly Executive Vice President of UCRE | Auction Services and has helped build and enhance the division since joining the company in 2006.

In his new role Terrel will provide strategic planning, management and program enhancements for the division. Over the past decade, he has successfully helped architect, develop, innovate and provide direction for what is now the largest national auction real estate team in the United States. Recognized as a leader in auction technology and marketing, Terrel has successfully launched dynamic auction office and auctioneer websites, a leading online auction platform, enhanced auction marketing services, auction service support and training and full integration within traditional real estate brokerages. His auction services team supports more than 300 individual auctioneers and nearly 500 franchise offices across the U.S., as well as Mexico and Central America. His efforts have played a significant role in the division representing over 20% of the annual sales within the $6 Billion United network.

“Shawn is an extremely innovative and progressive auctioneer and business leader,” said Mike Duffy, president of United Country Real Estate. “He has played a critical leadership role by successfully developing a very powerful auction services program at United Country Real Estate. This year alone Auction Services has achieved record sales and has had an additional 10 new auction-centric offices join the network. We are excited to have Shawn as the leader of the auction division as we enter the next level of auction technology and marketing innovation.”

Terrel has professionally served on the board of directors at the National Auctioneers Association, is a multiple State Champion auctioneer, is an instructor for the Certified Auctioneers Institute at Indiana University, has trained hundreds of auction classes, and is a nationally recognized real estate and asset auctioneer. His experience consisting of over 2,500 auctions ranging from real estate, personal assets, livestock, oil and gas and numerous charities has contributed a wealth of knowledge to UCRE.

United Country Real Estate is the leading and largest fully integrated network of conventional and auction lifestyle and rural real estate professionals. The company has been an innovator in lifestyle real estate marketing since 1925. United Country supports nearly 500 offices and 4,000 real estate professionals across the US and four continents. Visit www.UCAuctionServices.com or call 800-999-1020 today to learn more about UCRE | Auction Services and discover whether the auction method of sale is right for you.

]]>http://www.unitedcountryblog.com/25-year-auction-veteran-to-lead-united-country-real-estate-auction-services/feed/0http://www.unitedcountryblog.com/25-year-auction-veteran-to-lead-united-country-real-estate-auction-services/Top Tips for Dog Owners Who are Selling a Homehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UnitedCountryBlog/~3/eZx9QgoioWo/
http://www.unitedcountryblog.com/top-tips-for-dog-owners-who-are-selling-a-home/#respondTue, 29 Aug 2017 08:00:40 +0000http://www.unitedcountryblog.com/?p=409For many pet owners, the animal is like a family member, and while dogs and cats can be wonderful companions, they can cause a few issues when you’re ready to sell your home. Puppies in particular can be tricky to work with when you’re trying to get your house ready to show to potential buyers, as they tend to be a little messy and can cause damage to areas of your home.

Most real estate agents will tell you that it’s a good idea to have any pets safely put up in a carrier or hire a pet sitter when clients come over to look at your home, but that’s only one part of the problem. You also have to ensure the yard is clean and in good shape and that any damage to carpet or furniture from tiny puppy teeth is repaired.

Ensure your home is prepared for buyers when you have a puppy by taking these necessary steps

Make temporary arrangements

Depending on how long the selling process is going to be, you may consider making temporary arrangements for your pup with a responsible family member or even relocate for a little while. You can stay with a friend in order to make sure your home stays clean and in perfect shape for open houses and client visits.

Talk to your vet

Let your veterinarian know about your plans and have a talk about what’s best for your puppy. Big changes can be stressful for everyone, including your pet, and having a lot of strangers walk through your home can be overwhelming for him. The goal is to keep everyone safe and happy.

Make repairs

Hopefully you’ll have some time before the real estate agents begin showing your home to make repairs and touch-ups. Take a walk around your home and look at everything with the eyes of someone who wants to buy it. Try to see it with a fresh viewpoint so you can suss out what needs to be fixed, cleaned or updated, such as carpeting or baseboards.

Have a backup plan

When your agent starts setting up open houses, it’s best if you vacate the home for a while and allow potential buyers to walk around freely – hopefully you’ll have some notice before this happens. However, there may be times when you can’t find a pet sitter or can’t take your puppy with you, so it’s always good to have a backup plan. Keep a leash, bottled water, treats and a water bowl in your car and take your pup on a long walk or make sure you have a kennel available to place your puppy in while buyers are walking around.

Tackle stains and odors

A strong odor is one of the top reasons a potential buyer will steer clear of a home, so go outside, take a few deep breaths and come back into your house specifically to test the smell. If there’s a pet odor, it’s time to air out your house, deep-clean the carpets, wash the curtains and clean the furniture. Look around for any stains that your pup may have left and try an oxygen-based cleanser to remove them.

Selling your home could be a lengthy process, so it’s best to have a few different plans in case things don’t go exactly as you want in the beginning. Being prepared will help ease the stress of selling a house and keep everyone happy.

If you are thinking about relocating and need help with the process, contact United Country. We have experienced agents who are located around the country and can help answer all of your home buying and selling questions. Or, if you’ve just begun looking, visit UnitedCountrySPG.com for a full listing of all of our unique property types.

]]>http://www.unitedcountryblog.com/top-tips-for-dog-owners-who-are-selling-a-home/feed/0http://www.unitedcountryblog.com/top-tips-for-dog-owners-who-are-selling-a-home/Dozens of United Country Real Estate Office Locations to Experience Solar Eclipsehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UnitedCountryBlog/~3/jOY41hLHIMA/
Mon, 21 Aug 2017 17:01:19 +0000http://www.unitedcountryblog.com/?p=418If you’re like many Americans, Monday, August 21 only means one thing: Eclipse Day. Today’s solar eclipse will mark the first time in 38 years a total eclipse of the Sun has been visible from the mainland United States, and the first time since June 8, 1918 a total solar eclipse has been visible from coast to coast. With approximately 200 million people living within a day’s drive of the eclipse’s 71.5-mile-wide path, experts believe that up to 7.4 million people will visit the path of totality, with many coming in from outside the country. In fact, it might be the greatest temporary mass migration of humans in U.S. history, resulting in a boom for many eclipse towns.

With nearly 500 offices from coast to coast, it’s no surprise that dozens of United Country Real Estate offices are located in cities and towns that will experience the eclipse to some degree, with more than 20 UCRE offices in the path of totality. With locations in the path of a total eclipse predicted to be the most popular spots to watch, these United Country Real Estate offices will likely have an eye to the sky (with eclipse glasses on) today.

United Country Real Estate “Total Eclipse” Offices

UCRE | Plains Real Estate – Casper, Wyoming

UCRE | First State Realty – Hickman, Nebraska

UCRE | Gateway Realty & Auction – Atchison, Kansas

UCRE | Property Solutions LLC – King City, Missouri

UCRE | Nelson Real Estate & Auction Company – Albany, Missouri

UCRE |The O’Connor Agency – Cameron, Missouri

UCRE | Property Solutions LLC – St. Joseph, Missouri

UCRE | Kansas City Auction and Realty – Kansas City, Missouri

UCRE | Graham Agency – Chillicothe, Missouri

UCRE | Missouri River Realty – Fayette/Glasgow, Missouri

UCRE | Missouri Land & Home – Columbia, Missouri

UCRE | Commercial – Columbia, Missouri

UCRE | Market 1 Realty – Warrenton, Missouri

UCRE | Land and Lake Properties – Hermann/Rhineland, Missouri

UCRE | Valley Real Estate – Ironton, Missouri

UCRE | Trophy Properties and Auction – St. Louis, Missouri

UCRE | American Real Estate & Auction Co. LLC – Metropolis, Illinois

UCRE | Heartland Realty & Auction LLC – Bowling Green, Kentucky

UCRE | Hallcomb Realty & Auction Inc. – Cookeville, Tennessee

UCRE | Town & Country Realty – Crossville, Tennessee

UCRE | Major & Company – Newberry, South Carolina

UCRE | Carolina Real Estate Company, LLC – Winnsboro, South Carolina

If you find yourself traveling to find the perfect spot to watch the eclipse today, you may just discover that it’s a place you want to come back to, or never leave. With offices throughout the small cities and towns of the United States, no one is better equipped to help you find the perfect home, farm, recreational land or any other sort of lifestyle property than United Country. Just like the eclipse, we cover the USA. Visit UnitedCountry.com today to learn more.

]]>http://www.unitedcountryblog.com/dozens-of-united-country-real-estate-office-locations-to-experience-solar-eclipse/Factors Driving the Real Estate Markethttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UnitedCountryBlog/~3/TK8udYfI-xw/
Wed, 14 Jun 2017 00:00:05 +0000http://www.unitedcountryblog.com/?p=402Real estate is a key component in determining someone’s wealth. In the same instance, it is normally considered a solid investment. Before making the decision to invest and/or own your own property or even to sell, it’s important to evaluate how the real estate market is performing. The results could show you if it’s a good time and if you’ll be purchasing or selling for fair market value.

There are a few key factors that drive the real estate market that you should evaluate.

Interest rates. If you’re buying a property with a mortgage, start by researching interest rates using a mortgage calculator. Interest rates will vary week by week, but it will give you a good idea on the demand for real estate. The lower the interest rate, the lower the cost to get a mortgage will be. Lower interest rates create a higher demand, which increases real estate prices.

The economy and stock market. The overall health of the economy plays a big part on the real estate market. Indicators like employment data, the price of goods, the stock market, etc. typically measure the health of an economy. Most participate in the stock market in at least a small way so it impacts the majority of potential homeowners.

Ability to secure a loan. If the economy is weak, buyers who have a low cash flow and fair credit will find it difficult to get a loan. If the economy is strong, lenders will loosen standards and the real estate market will benefit.

Demographics. Things like age, race, gender, income and population growth can affect how property is priced and the types of properties that are in demand. Major shifts in demographics, like the baby boomers generation who were born between 1945 and 1964, can significantly influence the real estate market. Their retirement is being noticed now and will continue to be noticed for years to come.

If you have a goal to purchase a home or make a business investment in real estate, make sure you research and analyze these factors and the impact they are currently having on the real estate market.

United Country Real Estate is the nation’s largest integrated network of traditional and auction real estate professionals. Whether you’re looking for your next home or an investment property, we can help you from start to finish. Visit our website to find an agent near you at www.UnitedCountry.com.

]]>http://www.unitedcountryblog.com/factors-driving-the-real-estate-market/All the Scoop on Online Auctionshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UnitedCountryBlog/~3/CfefvD4yjI4/
Tue, 13 Jun 2017 18:39:13 +0000http://www.unitedcountryblog.com/?p=398Online auctions are gaining momentum. Not only do they provide convenience to buyers by allowing anyone from anywhere with internet access to participate, but they also give the seller more exposure for their property. We talked to United Country Auction Services Executive Vice-President, Shawn Terrel, to find out all of the ends and outs of online versus the traditional live method of auctions.

What types of property typically do well in an online auction verses a live auction event?

High demand or unique items like guns, coins, advertising memorabilia, art and other collectible items do particularly well because they attract people from wider regions who would want the item, but may not want to travel and risk not winning the bid. In contrast, if you have something in high demand that is specific to that market or area, a live auction can be better. For example, if you have row crop farmland up for auction and there are area farmers who have driven by that land and have wanted it for years, they bring that excitement to the auction. Farmers will bid against each other and create a high level of energy. It’s hard to build that kind of passion online.

One way auction companies are working to enhance that energy online is to now have live audio and video. It can bring the energy of the room to the buyer online. If you don’t add that feature, you may not get that heat of the moment feeling you get when you’re standing there with your bid card in the air and listening to the auctioneer.

What is the advantage of an online auction over a live auction?

You can reach a much broader pool of buyers with an online auction. Also, a big limiting factor with live auctions is the weather. If you have severe weather of any kind, you may have to cancel or postpone a live event. An online auction will happen regardless and people can bid from the comfort of their home or business.

What is a typical marketing and auction timeline with an online auction?

It’s not much different than a live auction. The marketing can run concurrent with the online auction, which is roughly 30 days from start to finish. You saturate the market and bids are placed the whole time during the marketing timeline. The important thing is to keep the bidding open for the full marketing timeline or else you can miss buyers.

Do online auctions have any added liability or issues that a live auction does not?

With online auctions, there is always the possibility of technology failure. If you’re out in the country without internet service, you are out of luck. My advice to bidders is to use the maximum bid feature when you have the opportunity in case something comes up later and you can’t. For auction companies, it’s important to get good photographs and provide extensive descriptions to keep bidders well-informed and interested.

What advice do you have for sellers looking to sell via an online auction?

Look for an auctioneer that is thorough and will explain all of the risks, terms and conditions, and potential liabilities.

Inspect their online bidding platform. Ask them for the web address. You should be able to look online and see past auctions. Talk about the results from those auctions.

Ask the company what their process is. Do they have staffing available to come to your property? Do they have cataloging and photography services? Ask important questions and expect an explanation.

Find out if they have shipping or loading services. Make sure they plan to have staff on site to assist buyers and prevent theft from happening.

United Country Real Estate is the largest network of traditional and auction real estate professionals in the United States. If you want to know more about online auctions, or would like to find an auctioneer near you, visit www.UCAuctionServices.com.

]]>http://www.unitedcountryblog.com/all-the-scoop-on-online-auctions/Home Warranties – Worth the Price?http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UnitedCountryBlog/~3/5z4msbyiy94/
Tue, 13 Jun 2017 15:37:38 +0000http://www.unitedcountryblog.com/?p=396If an appliance goes out in your home, most likely it’s going to be a costly repair that can really take a toll on your pocketbook. There are many people that rely on home warranties to repair their appliances. Home warranties are service contracts that are designed to cover appliances and other items that can break within the home. However, the question is – are home warranties worth it?

It’s important to understand the difference between a home warranty and home insurance. A home warranty typically covers repair and replacement costs for appliances – with a service fee. Home insurance covers appliances, but normally won’t cover them unless damage occurs to the house – for example, a fire, flood or theft.

The Pros – For sellers, home warranties that are included on a home they are selling can be a big bonus. According to a recent survey by a large home warranty provider, homes that come with a warranty sell 11 days quicker and make an average of $2,300 more that those that do not. Buyers can have the reassurance that their appliances are covered and possibly save up to thousands of dollars.

The Cons – Many consumer reports argue that home warranties aren’t worth the cost – $400 to $600 a year. One complaint is that many claims are denied because they are determined to be pre-existing conditions. Claims are also denied because the appliance hasn’t been maintained properly. Other problems include no coverage on more expensive items like leaky roofs or basement moisture and extra charges for things like plumbing and heating.

If you’re ready to purchase a home warranty, here are some tips to consider:

Check out multiple providers. Just like with any purchase, review your options. Also, make sure the company has the proper licensing and other requirements to provide a home warranty.

Review the contract carefully. As mentioned, there are many reasons a claim can be denied. There are also many appliances that could possibly not be covered under your plan. Read the contract carefully, including the fine print.

Create a budget. Add in the payment to your monthly budget. Include a possible service charge – which could range from $50 to $100.

Talk to your real estate agent. Keep your agent in the loop about your search for a home warranty. They may have a good relationship with a company and know who to watch out for.

United Country Real Estate is the nation’s leader when it comes to lifestyle real estate. We have professionals coast-to-coast ready to assist you buy or sell your next home or property. Visit www.UnitedCountry.com to start browsing thousands of listings nationwide.

]]>http://www.unitedcountryblog.com/home-warranties-worth-the-price/Hunting Land – Now’s the Time to Buyhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UnitedCountryBlog/~3/pGLbDTUDM8Q/
Tue, 13 Jun 2017 00:00:07 +0000http://www.unitedcountryblog.com/?p=400Owning hunting property can give you a sense of pride, safety and be a good investment. It is also an added value to be able to hunt on your own property. How many times have you sat in a tree stand or blind on public or leased land and realized that you would hunt this property completely different than the owners if it were yours? If you can afford to purchase land, now is the time. After all, they are not making any more. The land buying process is more involved than just looking at an online topographical map of the property and some nice pictures of bucks on the recent trail cameras.

Here are some of the most important factors to consider when buying deer hunting land.

1) Location

This point is simple. Make sure your land purchase is far enough away from the city, but not too far that traveling to it takes too long. You will need to consider traveling expenses into your purchase costs. Our recommendation would be less than 3 hours, that way you can leave early in the morning and be able to hunt at daybreak, and be able to return home after the hunt. This is really ideal if a cabin is not yet built on the land. Another consideration is the close proximity of a hotel or motel, for those unexpected overnight stays to track a wounded animal.

2) Land Layout

With land layout you actually need to consider the traffic pattern of the deer and the traffic pattern of the humans using the land. If you are thinking of putting a cabin on it down the road, make sure there is a level, dry spot on the property that can accommodate it. The preferable location for the cabin would be on the road side of the property, as to not spook the deer as you drive in and out of the property. Putting the cabin in the middle of the property makes no sense unless your reasoning priority is over that of hunting. Is there a possibility of adding food plot(s), and can machinery access those areas?

3) FoodDeer need food and water all year to survive. Both of these can be added with limitations. Let’s focus on food. Looking for the right trees while walking the land is important. After all, it is easier to work with what you have than to add those resources down the road at an extra cost and time. For whitetail deer hunting, we look for perennial-style wood plants, low-hanging trees, brushy shrubs, leafy vines and anything else considered brush style vegetation. This type of food makes up the largest percent of a deer’s diet in most states. Next come fruit from trees and bushes. These can consist of acorns from oaks and nuts from hickory trees. Also in this category are fruits and berries that grow sporadically across the United States. Next on the list is what farmers would consider weeds and herbaceous (not wood style) vegetation. These tend to be broadleaf plants that have flowers. Second to last would be grass and grass like plants. Lastly, we would want to consider field food sources. These would be from neighboring farm fields or from an existing or future food plot.

4) WaterWater is the second most important factor for deer hunting land. Although not a necessity, knowing the location of the water on your or neighboring property would be helpful. Water ponds can be put in, but there will be costs of hauling water tanks. Most properties can have wells put in or ponds dug, but those costs will need to be factored into the purchase.

6) Game SignsLook for actual signs that deer do visit the property. Buck scrapes, trails and droppings. But be careful, the property might only see deer traveling through during the night. They may be feeding on one property during the day, traveling through at night and lying down on another property during the day. If there is a possibility to hang some trail cameras before buying the property, you would get a snap shot of the property at all times of day during the current season.

7) Neighboring PropertyTake a look at your neighboring property. Are there bow and rifle hunters? What are their hunting habits? Do they drive deer? Do they practice quality deer management? Is there public land adjacent to the property? Do not be afraid to introduce yourself and ask the right questions.

Owning your own property can be a rewarding experience and a good investment for you and your family and will provide hunting memories that will last a lifetime.

United Country Real Estate has agents across the country that specialize in hunting land for whitetail deer, moose, bear, elk and other wildlife. View our thousands of hunting land listings at www.UnitedCountrySPG.com/hunting-properties.

]]>http://www.unitedcountryblog.com/hunting-land-nows-the-time-to-buy/Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades That Can Attract Prospective Buyershttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UnitedCountryBlog/~3/W7MKWGGD7og/
Mon, 24 Apr 2017 16:17:40 +0000http://www.unitedcountryblog.com/?p=387Weekend warriors, this one’s for you! A more energy efficient house may sound like a big, vague goal, but it’s actually made up of a lot of small changes and updates—many of which can easily be accomplished on a 48-hour timeline. In fact, many of the most effective projects take less than a few hours, which is a pretty small commitment, to say the least, especially when you consider that these home renovations often represent thousands of watts in energy offsets. Besides the instant energy savings, researchers have consistently found that energy-efficiency projects add a sales premium to homes when they close. In one such study, green-rated homes commanded a nine percent sales bump; others have found that there’s about a $15 to $20 premium for every one dollar of energy savings. With money like that on the line, it’s almost like you can’t afford not to make these improvements. Here are our picks for the best weekend-worthy home updates with the biggest energy savings—and the best return for your dollar.

Caulking and Weather-stripping Windows and Doors

Most people think of weather-stripping as a wintertime project, but truthfully, air sealing endeavors like this benefit homeowners any time they run their HVAC unit, not just when it’s windy outside. Sealing leaks in your home’s building envelope buffers drafts, sure. But it also keeps heating and cooling from slipping out cracks in the interior. Excellent air sealing means closing off gaps around any openings in your home, and the area around your windows is a good place to start, since caulking can become cracked and fail with age. To boost your windows’ resistance to air leakage, scrape out any old sealant and apply a new bead of weatherproof silicone caulk around the window glass. Meanwhile, use weather-stripping foam around the moving parts of the window for extra protection. Foam tape works great for doors, too, so hit those up with some weatherproofing while you’re at it.

Install a Ceiling Fan

If you run to the thermostat every time you feel warm, you could be missing out on some valuable energy savings. Ceiling fans cost about 36 times less to operate than central air conditioners—and they’ll actually cool you down faster than dialing down the thermostat. When you come in sweating and hot from the outdoors, the circulating air from a ceiling fan activates a wind chill effect on your skin, so you cool off fast. And ceiling fans are fairly easy for the average homeowner to install. Meanwhile, you’ll save a lot more energy by using your thermostat responsibly: since your AC unit is actually a temperature regulator, switching the dial down to plunging temperatures doesn’t cool you off any faster—it only ensures that the total will be higher when you get your energy bills.

Clean Your AC Condenser Coils

Speaking of your AC unit, there are obviously days where a ceiling fan alone just doesn’t cut it. However, your air conditioner will waste less energy—and keep you cooler—if you give it some regular TLC. In particular, in the spring and fall, most units can use a little attention on their condenser coils. Cleaning this component ensures that your AC’s refrigerant is working up to snuff, but many times outdoor units can become so covered in dust, pollen, and pet hair that they don’t have the same cooling power as before. To keep yourself in the clear, open the unit and give the coils a onceover with a soft-bristled brush. If the coils look extra sodden, however, you may want to call out a professional AC repair person to give them a more thorough treatment.

Turn Down the Temperature on Your Water Heater

This one’s about as easy as they come. Most home water heaters come set to a default temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. But for most homes, about 120 degrees is really all you need—and the excess heat costs your home money and wastes energy. According to the Department of Energy, overworked water heaters are responsible for around $400 on average in unnecessary annual energy expenses. And turning the temperature down to 120 is as simple as finding the thermostat and adjusting the settings. Each water heater is different however, so your best bet is to read your manufacturer’s guide before you get started. Keep in mind, too, that you may have two dials if your unit has an upper and lower heating element. This switch literally takes minutes and can save you from an accidental scalding, too!

Replace Your Thermostat

It seems like everything in homes is getting the “smart” treatment lately—with somewhat mixed results. A Bluetooth toilet? Who needs it? A thermostat that can track your energy use and adjust temperatures on the fly? Now that’s more like it! Smart thermostats help you decipher the temperature algorithm that will net optimal energy savings—without sacrificing comfort in the process. Many of these devices include “learning” features that monitor your manual adjustments to create the perfect self-regulated temperature schedule. And they often include programs that offer tips and adjustments to help you save even more energy. In fact, in certain areas, you can even schedule heating and cooling use during low-demand energy hours, which will save you money if your utility has implemented time-of-use pricing. That could literally represent hours of energy savings and lots of value when you resell. Not bad for a day’s work!

By, Guest Blogger

Erin Vaughan is a blogger, gardener and aspiring homeowner. She currently resides in Austin, Texas, where she writes full-time for Modernize, with the goal of empowering homeowners with the expert guidance and educational tools they need to take on big home projects with confidence.